Rayburn J. Porter, 89, of Owensboro, Kentucky, formerly of Centertown, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
He was born on May 25, 1937, in Centertown, Kentucky, to the late O.J. and Eva Brown Porter. Rayburn was a member of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Owensboro and formerly attended Centertown Baptist Church. He retired from Whirlpool Corporation in Evansville after many years of dedicated service.
Rayburn was an avid NASCAR enthusiast and a devoted University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan. He found great joy in playing the guitar with a group of friends who shared their love of music by performing at nursing homes and churches throughout the area. Above all, Rayburn cherished the time he spent with his children and treasured every moment with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia L. Porter; two brothers, Wendell Porter and Orman Porter; and one sister, Oval “Maxine” Chinn.
He leaves behind to cherish many precious memories, his children, Teresa (George) Eason of Owensboro and Bruce Porter of Owensboro (Teresa Jarrard Moore of Georgia); one granddaughter, Laura (Danny) Thompson; three great-granddaughters, Michaela (Brandon), Hannah Jo (Colby) and Elizabeth; one great-great grandson, Hudson and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam with Rev. Hubert and Davita Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Friends may visit with Rayburn’s family from 10 A.M. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation in Rayburn’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter, Kaden Tower, 6100 Dutchmans Lane STE 401, Louisville, KY 40205. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Online messages of condolence may be left for the family of Rayburn J. Porter by visiting his memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com